A large overturned boat lies damaged on its side near a coastal area, likely after a natural disaster. In the background, small buildings and scattered debris are visible under a clear sky, indicating destruction in the surrounding area.

Japan is known for its frequent earthquakes due to its unique location along the tectonic boundaries, and this may not sound very comforting for some travelling for the first time. Rest assured, this guide will equip you with essential knowledge and practical tips, including real experiences and useful insights, covering what to carry, key signs, tectonic insights, important phrases, and more. You’ll also find personal anecdotes from those who have faced earthquakes in Japan, helping you understand not just what to do, but why it matters. These are often overlooked but crucial aspects that many travellers have found incredibly useful to stay safe, alongside the usual advice. Hearing these small but impactful details from people who’ve been through quakes can really drive home the importance of being prepared. After all, better safe than sorry, right?

1. Must-Have Essentials: Items to Carry at All Times (If Possible)

When in a country with frequent earthquakes, you want to be ready, but without overpacking. Here are practical items you should always have:

Emergency Whistle: Vital in case you get trapped. This can help rescuers locate you when you cannot shout. For hikers, your bear bells might work just as well—many locals say that the familiar jingle of a bear bell can also act as an effective alert, giving you some peace of mind.
Portable Power Bank: To ensure your phone remains operational in case of a power outage. Always keep it charged.
Personal ID and Contact Info: Have a waterproof copy of your ID and important emergency contact numbers, especially if you’re a tourist.
Compact Water Pouch: Dehydration can be an issue in emergencies. A small, collapsible water pouch is lightweight but essential.
Emergency Food Bar: Lightweight, high-calorie food bars can be lifesavers if you’re stuck for several hours. You can look for snacks like CalorieMate at Conbini to stock up 👍
Mini First Aid Kit: This kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and essential medications. It can also be found in Conbini, Don Quijote, or drug stores.
Pocket Flashlight: Preferably one with a hand-crank or battery backup. It’s invaluable during nighttime quakes or when power is lost.

2. Signs to Look for: Indicators of Impending Earthquakes

Earthquakes are notoriously unpredictable, but some locals and long-time residents have noticed subtle indicators that sometimes precede them. One resident from Shizuoka mentioned how their usually calm dog started barking frantically before a tremor—it’s not a guarantee, but being aware of these signs can make a difference:

Animal Behavior: While not foolproof, sudden strange behavior among animals like birds flying erratically or dogs howling could be a natural warning.
Slight Ground Vibrations: If you’re near a calm water surface, ripples can be an early sign of small tremors before a larger quake.
Electronic Interference: Devices malfunctioning or static in radios could signal unusual seismic activity, though this is rare.

Earthquakes are unpredictable, but being prepared will help you react calmly and efficiently. Staying level-headed is key, and knowing these signs might just give you a few extra seconds to find safety. Locals often say that those few moments of calm can make all the difference. Also, trains in Japan are designed to stop immediately when sensing the ground shake, so if you happen to be on one, know you are probably a lot safer than you think!

3. Understanding Japan’s Tectonic Plates

A tectonic plate map of Japan, showing the boundaries and movement directions of the Amurian Plate, Ohotsuku Plate, Pacific Plate, and Philippine Sea Plate. The map also marks significant geological features, including the Japan Trench, Sagami Trench, and Nankai Trough, with arrows indicating the movement of the plates towards Japan.

Japan is located on top of four tectonic plates that converge: the Pacific Plate, the North American Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Philippine Sea Plate. The Pacific Plate is moving beneath the North American Plate near Japan’s eastern coast, and this interaction causes many significant earthquakes. Understanding these tectonic zones helps to identify which regions, such as the Kanto area or Hokkaido, are more likely to experience strong quakes, giving you an idea of where to be extra cautious. For instance, travellers in Shizuoka or Wakayama should be aware of the proximity to the Nankai Trough, a major fault line known for its quake potential earthquakes.

The Nankai Trough, off the coast of southern Honshu and Shikoku, is a significant concern as it’s due for a potentially massive quake. If travelling, be extra aware of regions along these tectonic boundaries, including prefectures such as Wakayama, Shizuoka, Kochi, Ehime, and Mie.

4. The Language You Need to Know

In an emergency, language barriers can create chaos. Here are essential Japanese phrases to memorize or have written down:

“Jishin desu!” (地震です!) – “It’s an earthquake!”
“Tasukete!” (たすけて!) – “Help!”
“Koko wa anzen desu ka?” (ここは安全ですか?) – “Is it safe here?”
“Byouin wa doko desu ka?” (病院はどこですか?) – “Where is the hospital?”
“Mizu wa arimasu ka?” (水はありますか?) – “Do you have water?”

These phrases can help you seek assistance or navigate to safety in case communication becomes a problem.

5. Identifying Safe Zones Indoors and Outdoors

It’s important to find a safe place during an earthquake. Here are some specific locations to remember:

Indoors: Look for sturdy furniture that you can get under, like heavy tables or desks. Stay away from windows, as shattered glass can cause severe injury. In modern Japanese buildings, door frames are reinforced and can offer structural protection.
Outdoors: Avoid areas with overhead cables, tall buildings, or anything that might collapse. Open parks and wide roads without electric poles are preferable.

6. Community Resources: Know Your Local Evacuation Points

Japan is well-prepared with designated evacuation sites known as “hinanjo” (避難所). These locations, usually parks or school grounds, are marked in neighbourhoods and maps. Spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the nearest evacuation spot to your hotel or home. Many of these spots have emergency supplies and multilingual support for tourists.

7. Local Earthquake Apps and Alerts

Japanese technology excels in earthquake preparedness. Consider downloading these essential apps that provide real-time alerts:

Yurekuru Call: Provides early-warning notifications when seismic waves are detected. Available in English and very user-friendly.
NHK World: The official NHK app offers news and emergency updates in multiple languages, including English.
Japan Shelter Guide: This app shows nearby shelters and evacuation routes.

Ensure that emergency alerts are enabled on your phone. Japanese phones have an in-built feature that sends an alarm in case of an earthquake; international smartphones can use the above apps for similar notifications.

8. Map Out Water and Food Stations

Tokyo and other major cities have pre-identified water distribution and food stations that become operational after a major quake. If you’re staying in urban areas, take note of their locations on city maps.

Many convenience stores (Konbini) partner with municipalities to distribute emergency supplies. Knowing where the closest convenience store is could help you in times of urgent need.

9. Practical Drills and Safety Protocols

Participating in an earthquake drill can be helpful, especially if you stay in Japan for an extended period. Many community centres conduct earthquake preparedness workshops that tourists are welcome to attend. These drills help you practice finding safe spots and navigating to evacuation sites effectively.

Hotels in Japan often provide emergency manuals in rooms—usually tucked away in a drawer or by the door. Take a few minutes to read these upon check-in; it might feel like overkill, but it’s always better to be prepared. One traveller recalled how having read the manual beforehand helped them evacuate swiftly during an unexpected night quake. Some hotels even host brief seminars on how to use emergency tools like fire extinguishers and evacuation slides.

10. Connect with Local Support Networks

Connecting with locals or fellow travellers can be invaluable during a crisis. Consider joining expat or traveller community groups on platforms like Facebook or LINE (Japan’s popular messaging app). These groups often share real-time information about safety, evacuation routes, and available resources.

Many neighbourhoods also have designated “community leaders” who help disseminate information during emergencies. If staying long-term, identify these individuals to stay informed.

Final Thoughts: Stay Calm and Be Prepared

Surviving an earthquake in Japan goes beyond common-sense measures like “duck and cover.” It’s about proactive preparedness, knowing what to carry, recognizing key warning signs, understanding the tectonic context, and navigating the language and community resources effectively. While common-sense actions form the safety foundation, adding these extra steps will significantly enhance your ability to stay safe and adapt. In Japan, where the earth may frequently move, the spirit of resilience and preparedness keeps life moving forward. Remember, being prepared isn’t about fear—it’s about ensuring that, no matter what happens, you’re ready to face it calmly and confidently.

References

Kanamori, H. (2001). The energy release in great earthquakes. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 82(20), 2981-2987.
Lay, T., & Bilek, S. L. (2007). Anomalous earthquake ruptures at shallow depths on subduction zone megathrusts. Nature, 45(9), 765-769.
Stein, S., & Wysession, M. (2003). An introduction to seismology, earthquakes, and earth structure. Blackwell Publishing.
Utsu, T. (2002). Relationships between magnitude scales. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 92(2), 505-525.
Japan Meteorological Agency. (2023). Earthquake preparedness and early warning systems. Retrieved from https://www.jma.go.jp/
Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. (2022). Understanding tectonic plates around Japan. Retrieved from https://www.gsi.go.jp/
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. (2023). Disaster Management in Japan. Retrieved from https://www.bousai.go.jp/
Tokyo Metropolitan Government. (2023). Emergency guidelines for residents and tourists. Retrieved from https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/
National Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience. (2023). Earthquake early warning system in Japan. Retrieved from https://www.bosai.go.jp/

Earthquake Survival Guide for Japan: Essential Prep Guide